# 234: Is Minimalism an Unhealthy Need for Control?

An episode of [Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1713108995), 10 Nov 2026, 45 min.

Audio: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/CTL3956125444.mp3

Today, I’m taking on the biggest criticisms of minimalism and sharing why I still stand behind it. • The difference between healthy control and control-oriented decluttering • Valid critiques of minimalism, from optimization culture to aesthetic consumption • Five benefits of healthy decluttering I hope today's episode inspires you to remember the true benefits of decluttering, and that it's not about being overly strict with your life. MENTIONED THIS EPISODE: Join the special book email list for behind-the-scenes and opportunities to help get the word out about Don't Save the Good Stuff! Ep 70: Is Decluttering Just for the Financially Secure? with Aubrey High Ep 51: Getting to the Root of Our Clutter with Jenny Albertini Ep 126: ADHD Decluttering & Organization Tips with Libbi Moore Ep 189: Environmentally Friendly Decluttering with Tom Szaky Ep 109: What to Do with Clothes that Don't Currently Fit Ep 217: Our Adoption Story: An In Depth Breakdown of How Adoption Works PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): PREORDER MY BOOK, Don't Save the Good Stuff, HERE! Coming April 2027. Join the special book email list for behind-the-scenes and opportunities to help get the word out about Don't Save the Good Stuff! Sign up for my newsletter! The L.E.S.S. Express Website: www.shannonleyko.com Instagram: @shannonleyko TikTok: @shannon_leyko Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown Substack: Blog & Additional Support (free trial!) TAKE THE QUIZ!! "What's Your Decluttering Type?" & receive a customized playlist with 10 episodes of Paring Down for your exact needs. PARING DOWN RESOURCES: CLICK HERE for free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more! SPONSORS: YOTO audio player: https://yotoplay.com/ - use my code PARING to get $15 towards a protective Adventure Jacket which comes in 4 cute colors with your Yoto purchase. Uncommon Goods: Get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/paring Get a free Immune Support Bundle, including a bottle of Omega-3 fish oil and a bottle of Vitamin D3K2, with your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro: drinkag1.com/paring Join Wayfair Rewards today to get 5% back on every purchase: https://www.wayfair.com/ Ethical, luxury women's clothing at Quince.com/paring for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Have someone take your clutter with 1-800 Got Junk! Book your free in-person estimate today at 1800gotjunk.com or call 1-800-468-5865 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code PARING $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier: https://airdoctorpro.com/ - Use code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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